Internship with Special Procedures at the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), Geneva (Unpaid; 3 Months, Renewable to 6)

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the UN Secretariat department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms, countering discrimination, combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law, among other mandates.

This opening (Job Opening 271235, listed on the UN Careers portal as a Candidate Pool - Intern opening) broadcasts internship assignments with the Special Procedures Sections of the Thematic and Special Procedures Division in Geneva. The Special Procedures support mandate holders appointed by the Human Rights Council, that is Special Rapporteurs, Working Groups and Independent Experts, who report and advise on human rights from a thematic perspective.

The Division has three Branches and a coordination unit:

• Equality and Non-Discrimination (END): 11 mandates, including sexual orientation and gender identity, violence against women and girls, people of African descent, racism, minorities, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, sale of children, religion or belief, and older persons.
• Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space (RACS): RACS I covers arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, countering terrorism, torture, summary executions, independence of judges and lawyers, truth, slavery, trafficking in persons and international order; RACS II covers freedom of assembly and association, freedom of opinion or expression, human rights defenders, business and human rights, privacy, mercenarism, migrants and internally displaced persons.
• Development, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (DESC): DESC I covers water and sanitation, food, housing, health, education, peasants, leprosy, albinism and cultural rights; DESC II covers the right to development, solidarity, unilateral coercive measures, foreign debt, poverty, toxics, environment and climate change.
• Coordination Information and Communications Unit: supports the Special Procedures system as a whole, including its Coordination Committee and communications process.

Based in Geneva, under the overall direction of the Chief of Special Procedures and the guidance of the respective Chief of Section, the intern reports to the Human Rights Officer in the assigned work unit. Daily work depends on the unit and the intern's background. According to the advertisement, duties may include:

• contributing to thematic reports or studies, including research of literature, international law and jurisprudence;
• assisting in preparing official country visits, in particular by drafting country-specific human rights assessments;
• analysing human rights issues in cases and complaints addressed to mandate holders, and drafting letters on those cases with a short legal analysis of the alleged violations;
• collecting information and researching for briefing notes, statements and other documents;
• taking notes of meetings with stakeholders, in particular civil society representatives;
• attending sessions of the Human Rights Council and helping prepare related activities and events;
• assisting in organising meetings and seminars, translating documents and other related duties.

To qualify for the UN Secretariat internship programme, applicants must, at the time of submission:

• be a graduate of, or enrolled in, a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• be a graduate of, or enrolled in the final academic year of, a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field; or
• have graduated with a university degree as above and, if selected, commence the internship on the date specified in the acceptance letter.

The advertisement states that applicants are not required to have professional work experience. Fluency in spoken and written English is required; knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage. The posting sets no nationality restriction and notes that interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country may need a visa and work authorisation, so Indian students and graduates who meet the academic criteria may apply.

The full-time assignment is offered for an initial period of three months, renewable for a combined period of six months on further approval by the supervisor.

The advertisement states that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Successful candidates should discuss their visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Apply online through the UN Careers portal using the Job Opening 271235 page linked on this post. The opening closes on 30 December 2026 at 11:59 pm New York time (10:29 am IST on 31 December 2026); the deadline on this post is set to 30 December 2026 IST to keep you on the safe side.